West End roads are just dangerous

Saturday

Oct 25, 2008 at 12:01 AM

Editor, the Record:

Editor, the Record:

I was so sorry to read of the loss of Sen. Rhoades, and I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his wife and family.

Too many people die on the roads around the Pleasant Valley School District. I have been to many funerals due to the tremendous number of fatalities that occur within the West End area. Many of these victims, children themselves, are driving around joyfully without realizing how dangerous the roadways are in that area of Monroe County. I drive there often and am shocked by how many drivers, young and old, carelessly whip around in areas that are just plain dangerous.

Isn't it time for the leaders in the area to do something about these tragedies? We are all responsible for reckless driving and no one, it seems, is exempt from becoming a victim. How many people do we have to bury before we realize that the West End needs police protection on the roadways?

No one is excusing bad behavior by young people on the roads. However, aren't we supposed to protect them, and doesn't that mean that we all need to do whatever is necessary to keep our students safe?

I hope no one else has to go through the pain and sadness that surely grieves the family of Sen. Rhoades' family, friends, and colleagues. Those of us living and working in the West End spend way too much time grieving.